The Conners Casts Maya Lynne Robinson as DJ's Wife

TV Guide

Friday

Sep 14, 2018 at 5:06 PM

The Conners may be premiering this fall without one major character, but it will be adding someone we've been waiting to revisit for a good, long while! ABC announced Friday that Maya Lynne Robinson has joined the cast as Geena Williams-Conner, DJ's (Michael Fishman) wife and Mary's (Jayden Rey) mother, who will return home from active duty in Afghanistan.

The character first appeared during the original run of Roseanne as the little girl a younger DJ was reluctant to kiss in his school play because of her dark skin. The confrontation resulted in a tense conversation about racism and a change of heart in DJ. Flash-forward 20 years later and they're actually married! Though the identity of DJ's wife was revealed when Roseanne Season 10 premiered, we've yet to see her take a permanent place in the plot -- until now! Robinson will be a series regular in the spin-off, which will surely shake up the Conners' family dynamic.

Michael Fishman shared his excitement over the casting news, tweeting out a picture of himself and his new on-screen wife with the caption: "That little boy who was reluctant to kiss Geena grew up into the man who loves her most. Welcome to #TheConners @MissMayaLynne."

That little boy who was reluctant to kiss Geena grew up into the man who loves her most. Welcome to #TheConners @MissMayaLynne. pic.twitter.com/Fws90ngTdQ

— Michael Fishman (@ReelMFishman) September 14, 2018

The Conners premieres Tuesday, Oct. 16 at 8/7c on ABC.

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